Hazards

Washington – OSHA is proposing to dramatically lower its 34-year-old permissible exposure limit for beryllium to one-tenth of its current level, the agency announced Aug. 6.

Cincinnati – Employers whose workers are exposed to diacetyl now can obtain guidance from a new NIOSH document.

Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez recently called for a national policy on paid sick days. About two-fifths of private-industry workers in the United States don’t get paid sick leave.

Silver Spring, MD – An online resource offers guidance for employers and employees on preventing heat illnesses in the workplace.

Zurich, Switzerland – Lengthy standing at work results in long-term muscle fatigue that could contribute to health disorders – even with regular rest – in both young and old workers, indicates a study from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (also known as ETH Zurich).

Boston – Exposure to formaldehyde during the embalming process may put male funeral directors at increased risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, according to a study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Bologna, Italy – International scientific academy Collegium Ramazzini is emphasizing its position that all use of asbestos should be banned.

Washington – A new OSHA directive based on public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates procedures for carrying out inspections and issuing citations for workplace exposure to tuberculosis.

Washington – A new YouTube video from OSHA aims to inform workers of all ages about the importance of taking precautions against heat illness.

Washington – The White House on July 7 completed its review of OSHA’s proposed rule on beryllium, clearing the way for the agency to publicly publish the proposal.